Community Attraction and Tourism Grant Program

The Community Attraction and Tourism Grant Program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, a state-level agency responsible for advancing economic growth and community development across Iowa. The program is funded through the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund and is designed to support projects that strengthen tourism, improve quality of life, and enhance the economic vitality of communities throughout the state. The program operates under Iowa Code and administrative rules, with oversight from the IEDA Board and recommendations provided by a designated CAT Review Committee. The primary purpose of the program is to assist communities in the development and creation of multi-purpose recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational attractions. These projects are expected to serve as transformational assets that not only benefit local residents but also draw visitors from across the region and state. The program places a strong emphasis on projects that act as catalysts for broader economic development, improve community competitiveness, and contribute to long-term sustainability. Funding is restricted primarily to vertical infrastructure projects. This includes land acquisition, construction, major renovation, and significant repair of buildings and recreational trails. Eligible expenditures may include construction materials and labor, engineering and architectural services, and real property acquisition. However, funds cannot be used for routine maintenance, operational expenses, marketing, events, or leasing arrangements without a lease-purchase agreement. Reimbursement is provided after expenses are incurred, and no advance payments are allowed. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations. School districts may participate only as part of a joint application with a city or county and must formalize their partnership through an agreement outlining roles and responsibilities. Projects must be open to the public upon completion and must demonstrate strong local support, including financial contributions from local governments and private sources. At least 65 percent of total project funding must be secured prior to application submission, and no more than 50 percent of total project costs may be covered by state funding sources. The application process begins with the submission of a Notice of Intent to Apply, which allows IEDA staff to provide guidance and determine eligibility before inviting a full application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to available funding. Eligible applications are reviewed by staff and then forwarded to the CAT Review Committee, which evaluates proposals based on criteria such as breadth of fundraising, community and regional impact, potential to stimulate additional development, operational sustainability, and geographic diversity. Final funding decisions are made by the IEDA Board. Awards are typically structured as a percentage of total project costs. For larger population areas, funding is generally capped at 20 percent of the project cost, with a maximum award of 1,000,000 dollars. Certain community amenities, such as aquatic centers, libraries, and splash pads, are limited to a maximum of 500,000 dollars. Projects in smaller population areas may receive up to 30 percent of total project costs. Awards are negotiated individually and are contingent upon the project reaching at least 90 percent of total funding at the time of recommendation. The program operates on an annual cycle with applications opening each fiscal year, beginning July 1. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, funding availability and program timelines influence review and award decisions. Once awarded, recipients must enter into a formal agreement, begin construction within 12 months, and complete reporting requirements including annual status updates and a final report within 120 days of project completion. Program staff monitor progress through documentation review and may conduct site visits to ensure compliance and successful project delivery.

Demonstrate broad and diverse fundraising support; emphasize regional and statewide impact; show clear sustainability and operational plans; ensure project readiness with 65% funding secured